So I havent been on this site for too long (only about a year or so). However, throughout that time I have read a countless number of pointless and unhelpful posts. The kind of posts that are just to increase the usernames post count. Many of you put sarcasm in EVERY post, and it is getting really old. "Main difference? Muay Thai guys wear those kinky little shorts."-EXACTLY

When someone asks for help, they should get help. Now obviously some people ask dumb and obvious questions; however, there is no need to make that topic even more dense. How about you give real help? If you dont know how to answer the question, then DONT. You dont have to have an answer for every topic on every thread.

Whitedragon, as it is me you ar referring to then why not write to me directly? I don't bite (even if you are wearing the kinky shorts ). I think you might find the sarcasm of that post was because the same question was posted in both the KB forum and the TKD/KOREAN forum (although not by the same poster, I later noticed).

Now I don't actually answer every topic on every thread, nor do I use sarcasm in every post. but occasionally I like to add some bizarre humour and see who bites. Sometimes it is just to lighten the mood.

Also, if I may quote someone from the "What's wrong with government thread"

Quote: Alright, if you want to sound "legit" then at least use proper grammar. We could have some man talking about the end of Christmas forever, and we might give him more belief then your getting. No one is going to believe someone that doesnt know how to use punctuation. That is your first mistake.

Why add to a dumb thread and why use such sarcasm... is it an MA topic or a grammar topic?

So I havent been on this site for too long (only about a year or so). However, throughout that time I have read a countless number of pointless and unhelpful posts. The kind of posts that are just to increase the usernames post count. Many of you put sarcasm in EVERY post, and it is getting really old.

So I havent been on this site for too long (only about a year or so). However, throughout that time I have read a countless number of pointless and unhelpful posts. The kind of posts that are just to increase the usernames post count. Many of you put sarcasm in EVERY post, and it is getting really old.

I disagree that the sarcasm rarely gets "completely out of hand". Of course, there is a large difference between what I subjectively perceive as "out of hand", Matt, vs how you may perceive the same thread. Therein, is the point. Face to face with someone you know, you can get away with a near lethal dose of sarcasm with no dire consequences. However, on a forum with new comers, new martial artists, people trying out different forum areas, sarcasm can be intimidating or at least rude. If it gives the site "personality", that may not be a good thing. I left a moderatorship because of the sarcasm and rudeness. I know of several other people who either posted a couple of times and left the forum, or who read for short while choosing not to post and then gave up on the site. This site is seen by some at least, as not very friendly.

Another thing that happens with sarcasm, is that as a moderator, I got private e-mails from people who preferred to get a private and respectful answer to an honest question rather than risk the sarcasm on the forum. No one should feel uncomfortable posting as long as the post is honest information seeking, honest sharing or an attempt to be helpful.

With all due respect, most of the subjects you have encountered sarcasm on are very controversial to begin with. Subjects like say.....a 16 year old with very limited training, trying to create a new martial arts style, are going to be controversial to many (more experienced) martial artists here. Many of them would see such a post as not terribly serious, and treat it as such in response.

Subjects like ki/chi, dim mak and other unprovable/controversial material are automatically questionable to many minds here. Sarcasm/disbelief are inevitable, especially when there is a lack of solid proof, or just a poor argument on the part of one side.

Such is the nature of a public forum.

EDIT -

I do agree with Zombie, that the Beginner's Forum should be a no-sarcasm zone. But once their out in the wild, it's open season.

Edited by MattJ (04/06/0811:20 PM)

_________________________"In case you ever wondered what it's like to be knocked out, it's like waking up from a nightmare only to discover it wasn't a dream." -Forrest Griffin